On May 31 the Slovak Department of Human Rights and Equal Treatment hosted an international conference on the Human Rights Aspects of Life of Same-sex Couples, under the auspices of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Government Mr. Rudolf Chmel. The aim of the conference was to discuss the human rights aspect of sexual minorities and to raise awareness on the issue among general public, media and politicians in Slovakia.
Among the panellists of the conference was Norwegian ambassador Trine Skymoen, Dutch Ambassador Daphne Bergsma, UK Chargé d’Affaires Dominic Schroeder and Mr. Helmut Graupner (Committee of LGBT Rights, Austria), who shared experience from their home countries on the equalization of rights of LGBT persons.
Ambassador Skymoen gave a brief overview of the organized battle for gay and lesbian rights in Norway, and about present legislation and LGBT rights in Norway. She also informed about the Norwegian government’s efforts to promote the interest of LGBT persons beyond the scope of legal rights. Although many Norwegian LGBT persons have a good life today, there is still prejudice in parts of the heterosexual population, and it can be hard to be open about being LGBT.
"Therefore the Norwegian government launched an action plan in 2008, to improve the quality of life of LGBT persons.
By means of this action plan the Norwegian Government is placing the LGBT perspective in all policy areas and in the ministries involved."
About the situation of LGBT persons in Slovakia, ambassador Skymoen said:
"Last year we saw the first PRIDE parade here in Slovakia. There is still prejudice against LGBT in Slovakia, but I was pleased to see that there were some many people who refused to be silenced and attended the PRIDE. It was an important step and I believe that there will be a positive development for the situation of LGBTs in Slovakia.
I also hope that, in the near future, there will be a possibility in Slovakia for same-sex couples to enter a registered partnership," said ambassador Skymoen.